Phenomenal Waffen-SS Tunic From Rudolf Fend, LAH

This incredible tunic once belonging to SS-Sturmbannführer Rudolf Fend, was first purchased over 50 years ago by Rick Sheffler, a famous Midwest US Collector. In his quest to find out more about Fend, as well as to learn if he was alive or not, Mr. Sheffler had lengthy correspondence with an SS Officer Walter Krüger (not The Gen. Krueger who committed freitod at war's end), and others to finally make it happen (Copies of all this correspondence are included herein with this grouping). Needless to say, Mr. Sheffler was able to learn from Fend about how he used the tunic, how long he had it, etc., and that Fend was happy for Mr. Sheffler to keep the tunic in his own collection as a remembrance to his service. Since those days, the tunic has made its way into several very notable collections, finally here to SS-Steel to find a new collection to call home.The tunic is a tailored M-36 Rock style, with open collar and rear belt supporting buttons. The fabric is a luxurious high quality worsted, piped in silver edging at the collar. As Fend was an anti-aircraft specialist, the piping is red that frames the fine sewn-in SS-Sturmbannfūhrer shoulderboards. The sleeve eagle is an officer bullion version; the cufftitle is a textbook officer's bullion embroidered LAH in sutterlin script. The collar tabs are hand-applied, with Fend explaining that he used the tunic since he was an Untersturmführer in 'Deutschland' regiment– an incredible history of use– and had changed the insignia multiple times as he rose in rank. All of this information is contained in the files and letters. There are many photos of Fend with Dietrich, Panzermeyer, and other notable LAH leaders, and at least one picture of him evidently in this tunic, standing by Dietrichm (There is a grouping of medals that were collector added. All but the ribbon bar remain, and are included in this price). There are precious few original and undisputed, named senior officer tunics in the collecting world, and this will capstone the finest SS regalia collection. COA accompanies.